1.

Error: Two readings not enough to support the conclusion

Improvement:

Take more sets of readings and plot a graph/compare values of k

2.

Error:

Large uncertainty in measured quantity because quantity is too small (like when measuring the
thickness of an object)

Improvement:

improved method to calculate this quantity like taking more readings at different parts of the
object and dividing by number of readings for an average.

3.

Error:

Friction with surface (apply to any object that you have to pull on a surface)

Improvement:

apply lubricant to surface

4.

Error:

(only when newton meter used horizontally!) Zero error on newton meter when used
horizontally.

Improvement:

adjust vertical arrangement of newton meter.

5.

Error:

(Keeping an object at certain height with your hands for a long time) keeping "object" at a
certain height difficult
Improvement:

use a clamp/tape.

ELECTRICITY:

6.

Error:

Voltmeter scale not sensitive enough/not precise enough

Improvement:

Use a digital voltmeter/use a voltmeter that reads to 0.01 V.

7.

Error:

Wire not straight/wire kinked (coils) / difficulty in keeping wire straight

Improvement:

Tape wire to a ruler/ clamp wire.

8.

Error:

Contact resistance/fluctuating ammeter or voltmeter readings

Improvement:

Sand the crocodile clips to clean them/ tighten clips

OSCILLATIONS

9.

Error:

Difficult to judge start/center/ end of swing / complete swing

Improvement:
use fiducial marks/pointer

10.

Error:

large uncertainty in time / time taken too short

Improvement:

use video and timer that captures frame by frame video

11.

Error:

Object does not travel in a straight line

Improvement:

Method of guiding object to travel in a straight line/narrow tube (if ball moving inside)

12:

Error:

(when measuring degrees in an experiment that's suspended in the air like the degrees between a
rubber band when stretched) difficult to hold protractor steady

Improvement:

project image of the rubber band onto a screen.

13:

Error:

applying a force on the object when releasing it/impossible to release object without applying a
force.

Improvement

: use an electromagnet release clamp to release the object so it falls/moves on a slope or surface
under the force of its own weight.

14.
Error:

Air currents may cause variation in path of object (KEEP IN MIND THE MASS OF THE
OBJECT AND BE REASONABLE)

Improvement:

Close fans and air conditioners, shield object from draughts.

15.

Error:

Difficult to mark rebound height/final position

Improvement:

Use a high speed camera that has slow motion playback and use a data logger.

16.

Error:

Difficult to make accurate cylinder shape

Improvement:

Use a cylinder mold to make and accurate shape/method of making accurate cylinder.

17.

Error:

inconsistent ball bounce/ball bounces (on surface) at an angle.

Improvement:

use a smoother brick.

18.

Error:

Friction at pulley

Improvement:
Lubricate pulley

19.

Error:

Retort stand moves

improvement:

Clamp stand to bench/table

20.

Error:

Labelled value of mass may not be accurate

Improvement:

use a top pan balance to find mass.

21.

Error:

Large uncertainty error in thickness

Improvement:

Measure more layers of paper/(object) OR use micrometer screw gauge for

better precision.

PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE IS k(b)-k(s)/k(s) x 100

For an electricity experiment, ALWAYS write errors 1,6,7 . It applies to any elec experiment